Despite the distractions of our modern world nature’s rhythms continue unabated. February 2nd marks the cross-quarter Celtic celebration of Imbolc. For the ancient Celts, Imbolc marked the lambing season and indicated that the sleeping earth was stirring into life again. They called it “Feile Brighde,” meaning the ‘festival of Bridhid,’ where the forces of nature are quickening. Imbolc literally means “in the belly.” This is a time of gestation and expectancy – an inward time of the year – and we can ride it by planting seeds of intention within our minds.
The pagan goddess, Brighid, was celebrated at Imbolc. She has been dear to the hearts of the Celts for so long, the Roman church could not eradicate her and instead co-opted Brighid and called her a saint. She is the goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft, as well as the goddess of the hearth. She brings fertility to the landscape and promises spring’s unfolding beauty. Her force easily fans the inner flame of mind and heart as we forge our intentions now.
For those who find this dark time of the year challenging, take heart! The forces at this time bring the assurance of renewal and rebirth. I take my cues from nature rather than the media. Nature is gently nudging us to let go of the past, take stock of where we’re at by looking inward, and sow our seeds for what we want to create this year. Be clear and concise about what you want to create – the devil’s in the details. The stronger your intention the more strength it will carry when the forces of spring burst forth. In fact, the new moon in Aries on April 6this the most potent new moon of the year for launching a project so bear that in mind as you prepare your inner ground here in February.
This is a great time for a healing retreat where you can sequester yourself away for a time and go inward to experience breakthroughs that could change the course of your life in unimaginable ways. We live in a machine culture that constantly urges us outward and onward. We need time to pause and look within to address old patterns, outworn beliefs, etc. When I encounter any voices that are undermining, critical or doubtful I always ask their age and they are always young. I give them the opportunity to speak through writing and I work with them as wise woman. In this way I am strengthening my own voice of wisdom and managing any self-destructive voices firmly and with care. This is spring-cleaning time after all and that includes our mind. In this way, we clear the path for our dreams to be realized.
Nature is around us and within us and we ignore her rhythms at our peril. Take a day off, shut down the devices and go inward. Make room in your mind for the gifts to come and sow the seeds of your dreams with the knowing that Brighid’s fertile fires will ably stoke their gestation and inevitable birth.
Excerpt pf Bio here